FC Barcelona restructuring captaincy after Ter Stegen and Araújo departures

FC Barcelona is restructuring its leadership following the loan departures of captains Marc-André ter Stegen to Ajax and Ronald Araújo to Liverpool.

Frenkie de Jong is the primary candidate to become the club’s new main captain. However, a medial collateral ligament injury in his right knee is expected to keep him sidelined until early November, which will impact his immediate availability for leadership duties.

In the interim, Raphinha is expected to serve as the stand-in skipper. The club is also looking to finalize a five-player captaincy group, with midfielder Pedri, Eric García, and Gavi identified as likely candidates to join the leadership hierarchy under manager Hansi Flick.